Where I'm From by Ted

Where I'm From
by Ted DeVirgilis

I am from a red and white bobber by the duck pond
leaning on white birch.
I bring home perch and catfish
and Pop cleans and grills them.

I am from ricochet rifles
green cans of rations.
Our battalion jumps in foxholes
and looks for the enemy.

I am from church on Sunday
wearing plaid blazer and grandpa’s purple bow tie.
Newfound attention
on the stage
and off.

I am from this pond
bobbing in the wake
alongside the divine creatures
and the muck

waiting for the hook.